Oklahoma's Bob Stoops doesn't want USC's BCS national title

Bob Stoops isn't interested in being declared the national champion for the 2004 season after Southern California was stripped of the BCS title for violations related to Reggie Bush.

Stoops and Oklahoma were one of three unbeatens during the regular season that year before losing to USC 55-19 in the Orange Bowl. Auburn was left out of the game and defeated Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl to finish No. 2 in the final poll.

"I don't have any thoughts (on USC's situation) and we're not claiming any championships," Stoops told The Associated Press.

Stoops was supportive of the decisions by the NCAA and BCS to punish USC for the rule-breaking.

"There has to be measures for players to know the consequences for their actions," Stoops said. "So, if this sends a message for other people that all of a sudden your season didn't exist, maybe it's a strong enough message that, 'Am I going to be loyal to my team and teammates and do things right, or am I going to be loyal to myself?'"

Oklahoma is not a stranger to NCAA investigations. The team was originally going to forfeit its eight victories in 2005 due to violations by quarterback Rhett Bomar before a successful appeal.

Part of the reason for the reversal was due to Oklahoma discovering Bomar and offensive guard J.D. Quinn were paid for hours they did not work at local car dealer. Bomar and Quinn were dismissed from the team.

"What they're doing behind some closed door to somebody else, if they want to deceive you, lie to you, cheat you, whatever it may be, it'll be done. But once it's understood, then you deal with it however you feel is necessary," Stoops said. "And that's what happens in every case."

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